We offer one-on-one HIV Counseling at our Center for Comprehensive Care. Call 718-992-7669 (718-99-BRONX) for an appointment.
Ways to Prevent HIV
Condom Use
When properly used, condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV transmission. Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex.
All BronxCare program sites have free supplies of male or female condoms and lubricant for patients.
Use Clean Needles
People using IV drugs can avoid contracting and transmitting HIV by using clean needles and other drug injection equipment and never sharing needles.
Medications:
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
If you are HIV negative but at risk for HIV, you may choose to take PrEP, a once daily medication taken before exposure. Some reasons why you might take PrEP include:
• Your sexual partner is HIV-positive.
• You do not consistently use a condom.
• You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease within the past six months. (If you have another STD, you are more likely to get HIV. Getting tested and treated for other STDs can lower your chances of getting HIV.)
• You inject drugs and have an injection partner with HIV.
• You share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
• You have used multiple courses of PEP. (PEP is taken to prevent infection in emergency situations.)
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP, which stops the HIV virus from multiplying and spreading throughout your body, is taken after HIV exposure to lower your chances of getting HIV. PEP should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after possible exposure and needs to be taken 1-2 times a day for at least 28 days.
Some examples of why you might take PEP include:
• You are a victim of sexual assault.
• You have had unprotected sex with someone who may be HIV-positive.
• You have shared needles with someone who may be HIV-positive.
Talk with Your Sexual Partners About Testing
Ask them about the last time they had an HIV test, or get tested together.